PhD Studentship in “Technology and the (future) human in war” (2026)

What you get

Scholarships cover UK PhD tuition fees, a stipend at UK Research Council rates (currently £20,780 p.a.). The studentship also includes generous research and training costs (e.g. conferences, participant costs, overseas fieldwork, language training, placement costs).

The Scholarship does not cover relocation, visa, or NHS surcharge costs.

NB. Awards are open to International students (EU and non-EU students who do not have residency), but the scholarship will only cover the UK (Home) fee rate for International students, so the difference between the Home fee rate and the International fee rate (£17,569 for 2025-6) will have to be met from other sources.

Type of award

Postgraduate Research

PhD project

The PhD research will be part of the wider Leverhulme-funded project “Technology and the (future) human in war” held by Dr Lindsay Clark. 

This project acknowledges that war is a fundamentally human affair involving the killing or injuring of human bodies. At the same time, contemporary conflict is increasingly mediated through a wide-range of complex technologies such as such as lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS), weaponised- Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, cyber-operations, and technologically-enhanced soldiers.

“Technology and the (future) human in war” will investigate: What does this rapid technological change mean for the involvement of humans as humans in war? With technology radically reshaping when, where and how war is conducted; what are the implications for soldiers, citizens, enemies and civilians?

The successful applicant will contribute to the 3^rd Work Package of the project – “Cyber-operations.” In particular, we invite prospective students to submit research proposals which will examine the differences between human-led mis/disinformation cyberoperations and non-human (e.g. bot-led) mis/disinformation operations.

The over-arching project is theoretically informed by Feminist International Relations and Science and Technology Studies, but proposals do not have to be situated in the same traditions. Similarly, the project case studies are Ukraine, Israel and Yemen but applicants may choose relevant alternatives.

Your lead supervisor will be Dr. Lindsay Clark. A second supervisor will be identified with complementary expertise relating to the candidate’s proposal.

In addition to their doctoral research, the successful candidate will contribute towards project activities, working with the rest of the project team and benefitting from appropriate training.

Applications will be assessed by a panel of experts regarding past academic and/or professional performance and experience; the coherence, importance, and viability of the proposed research; its relevance to the project; and fit with supervisorial strengths at Sussex.

Eligibility

• Typically the minimum of a 2.1 undergraduate honours degree (non-UK equivalent according to ECCTIS)
• Master’s degree in a related subject (International Relations, Politics, Science and Technology Studies, Sociology) with ideally at least a merit mark (60%), or non-UK equivalent.
• Proof of proficiency in English language to meet the university’s entry requirements – for shortlisted candidates only.
• Awards are open to International students (EU and non-EU students who do not have residency), but the scholarship will only cover the UK (Home) fee rate for International students, so the difference between the Home fee rate and the International fee rate (£17,569 for 2025-6) will have to be met from other sources.

Please note that due to the high volume of applications, we will be unable to check supporting documents before the deadline. Therefore, you are responsible for uploading the appropriate supporting documents as per our requirements. Please read all the information carefully as incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please note that this position may be subject to ATAS clearance if you require visa sponsorship.

Number of scholarships available

1

Deadline

How to apply

Apply through the University of Sussex on-line system. 

https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/apply/log-into-account

Select the PhD in International Relations, with an entry date of September 2026.

In the Finance & Fees section, state that you wish to be considered for Leverhulme-funded project “Technology and the (future) human in war

 You should upload the following attachments:

• A statement of interest that outlines why you would like to be considered for this studentship project (maximum 500 words, Times New Roman 12 Font, 1.5 space)
• An outline proposal setting out what you would like to research (1,000-2000 words (not including bibliography), Times New Roman 12 Font, 1.5 space) drawing on the themes identified in this advertisement. This should include an introduction, thesis statement and short literature review, draft research question, theoretical framework, methodology, and bibliography.
• An up-to-date CV (maximum 4 pages)
• Bachelor and Master’s Degree transcripts and award certificates ( and English translations if relevant)
• A sample of written work (e.g. an essay or project from most recent degree, or if you have been out of formal study for an extended period of time, a report/brief or similar demonstrating your analytical and writing skills)
• Two academic references, one must come from your last institution

Contact us

If you have practical questions about the progress of your on-line application or your eligibility, contact socsci-pgradmissions@sussex.ac.uk

For academic questions about the project, contact the supervisor Dr Lindsay Clark at lindsay.clark@sussex.ac.uk

Timetable

Deadline 31^st March 2026

Interviews TBC April 2026

Awards confirmed May 2026